BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - Agri – business products of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the different provinces of the  Cordillera are being showcased  and for sale at the “Kordillera Negosyo Agraryo Trade Fair” at the SM City Baguio Atrium.

A joint project of the regional offices of the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology, the trade fair which opened last July 21 and will last up to August 4, features bamboo crafts, cacao by products, coffee, processed food and nuts, wearables, homestyle and other agri – business products.

These products are the outcomes of the DAR-DTI-DOST Synchronization Project which started in 2017   to help ARBs and organizations develop their agri – business products and their entrepreneurial skills.

DAR – CAR Regional Director Samuel Solomero, in his message during the trade fair opening program,  said  the project is part of the government’s continuing effort to help ARBs and agrarian reform communities.

“With the recent signing  of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act by his Excellency President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries have been freed from the burdensome debts associated with land ownership. This significant development brings a renewed sense of hope and paves the way for the increased success and growth of our beloved ARBs.”

“To fortify their journey towards success, DAR collaborates closely with key stakeholders such as  the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology. By combining the expertise and resources of these agencies, we create an enabling environment for our  farmer – beneficiaries- turned CARPreneurs to thrive and succeed, ” he said. 

The Kordilyera Negosyo Agraryo Trade Fair,  he said, is an opportunity to support local entrepreneurs, promote their high – quality products, and foster economic growth within the region.

"By patronizing the goods on display, we contribute to the sustainable development of our CARPreneurs and the communities they represent,” Solomero stressed.

DTI – CAR Regional Director Juliet Lucas and DOST – CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog, in their respective messages, also assured  the continuing support to CARPpreneurs through their offices’ existing programs and services for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Also present during the opening program were DTI’s CARP Program Manager Ferdinand Aparri, Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s Executive Assistant Victor Jimenez and SM City Baguio Assistant Mall Manager Michael Jason Pena. (JDP/CCD/PIA CAR with Jarrell Abrigo/UC Intern)